Material collection and identification device

ABSTRACT

A collection and identification device includes a ball stop, a slide lock and a pull tab with identification member thereon, each arranged on an elastic binder line to facilitate flexible, quick, and secure collection of items, including identification and potential attachment to a secondary support. Notably, the ball stop, slide lock and pull tab are each unitary molded components, with no internal moving parts. The present device is easily assembled and is low cost to manufacture and assembly. Also, the device can be used in several different ways to collect and secure items, thus providing a flexible system capable of securing and identifying various items based on a user&#39;s preferences and desires.

This claims benefit under 35 USC section 119(e) of provisionalapplication Ser. No. 61/608,795, filed Mar. 9, 2012, entitled “MATERIALCOLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION DEVICE”, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to material collection and identificationdevices useful for releasably securing bundles of parts and/or productstogether, and more particularly relates to a material collection andidentification device that is ergonomic, easy and flexible and intuitiveto use, competitive to manufacture and assemble, very durable andcustomizable, and which provides identification features not found insimilar existing devices.

A number of different straps, strips and retaining devices arecommercially available, but known devices have a variety of limitationsand deficiencies. For example, some such devices are for single-useonly, and once used are thrown away, which is wasteful and notenvironmentally friendly. Other retaining devices include componentswith internal moving parts (such as spring-biased clamps and/orspring-biased locking members), which greatly increases manufacturingand assembly cost, and often reduces reliability and durability leadingto field failure. Most known collection and bundling devices do notinclude means of identification, but instead depend on the productitself being the identifier, which often is not a best solution. Bungeecords with hooks at each end have been used as retaining devices, butthe hooks can scratch or damage retained goods and/or the hooks mayaccidentally release. Most similar devices are not customizable, suchthat they are constrained to a particular manner of use and appearance.

Thus, opportunities exist for improvement in material collection andidentification devices, particularly where the improvement minimizescost, minimizes the number or cost of individual components andminimizes assembly time, and where the improvement simplifies use andattachment, especially where the improvement provides maximum surenessof collecting/fastening goods, and provides identification means andother characteristics related to flexibility of use and customizedappearance.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a material collection andidentification device comprises a ball stop, a slide lock, a pull tab,and a binder line attached to the pull tab and the ball stop, with theslide lock being slidable along a portion of the binder line toselectively capture captive material against one of the pull tab andball stop.

In a narrower aspect, each of the ball stop, slide lock, and pull tabare each unitary single moldings that characteristically do not includeinternal moving parts.

In another aspect of the present invention, a kit for use with astretchable binder line is provided. The kit includes a ball stopcomponent, a slide lock component, and a pull tab component. The slidelock and pull tab components each include a through hole shaped tofrictionally receive and engage a mating portion of the stretchablebinder line, with the ball stop component and the pull tab componentalso including a frictional structure for securely engaging a matingportion of the binder line extended through the slide lock and pull tabcomponents.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling andusing a material collection device, the method comprises: passing abinder line through binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, aslide lock, and a pull tab; passing the pull tab through a looped end ofthe binder line and fastening the looped end of the binder line to thepull tab; inserting a captive material through a loop formed in thebinder line between the pull tab and the slide lock; and sliding theslide lock along the binder line and toward the captive material tosecure the material collection device to the captive material.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling andusing a material collection device, the method comprises passing abinder line through binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, aslide lock, and a pull tab; passing the pull tab through a looped end ofthe binder line and fastening the looped end of the binder line to thepull tab; and forming an enlargement on an end of the binder line spacedaway from the looped end, and pulling the enlargement into frictionalengagement with the ball stop, such that the pull tab and ball stop trapthe slide lock on the binder line.

An object of the present invention is to provide a collection devicethat provides on the device a way for the user to identify thegoods/items collected and held together.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device that isrelatively simple, easy to assemble, intuitive to use, reusable, andthat uses few components and that uses components not having movingparts.

An object of the present invention is to provide a collection andbundling device where the device can be locked onto a first item in ahands free manner, allowing the user to collect and bind other items tothe first item.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device wherecomponents can be easily adapted for different environments, such as bymaterial substitution in components.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device that isbuoyant and hence floats, thus making it useful in marine and waterenvironments.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device that can beused to secure a collection of items together and to secure them in adesired storage location, such as via a suction cup.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view showing a collection and identificationdevice embodying the present invention and attached to an electricalcord and plug, either for identification purposes and/or to retain theplug close to a point of use.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the present device of FIG. 1 butused to retain two ski poles together and simultaneously serving toidentify ownership of the ski poles.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present collection andidentification device in a free state.

FIGS. 3-5 are perspective, top and cross-sectional views of the ballstop in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 6-8 are perspective, top and cross-sectional views of the slidelock in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 9-12 are top perspective, bottom perspective, plan, and side viewsof the identification pull tag in FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an alternative pull tag.

FIG. 14 is a side view an alternative ball stop.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an alternativeidentification/pull tab.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative collection device.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative method of assembly.

FIGS. 18-19 are perspective views of a second alternative method ofassembly.

FIGS. 20-20B are perspective views of a first procedure for attachingtwo ski poles together.

FIGS. 21-21B are perspective views of a second procedure for attachingtwo ski poles together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present collection and identification device 30 (FIGS. 1-2) includesa binder line 31, a ball stop 32, a slide lock 33 and a pull tab 34 withidentification member 35 thereon, the components 32-34 being arranged onthe binder line 31 to facilitate flexible, quick, and secure collectionof items 20, including identification and potential attachment to asecondary support. Notably, the components 31-35 are single components,with no internal moving parts such as an internal biasing spring orplunger. Further, the present device 30 is constructed for ease ofassembly, with the limited number of single-piece components 31-34 beingsurprisingly easy to assemble while also providing multiple ways ofsecurely retaining items together. In short, the present device 30 islow cost to manufacture, low cost to assemble,re-useable/environmentally-friendly, and yet is durable, robust, longlasting, ergonomic, customizable, and visually attractive. Further, thepresent device 30 is particularly well-suited for identificationpurposes.

Notably, the device 30 can be used in several different ways to collectand secure items, and includes customizable identification members 35,thus providing a flexible system capable of securing and identifyingvarious items based on a user's preferences and desires. FIG. 1illustrates the present device 30 attached to an electrical power cordand plug 38, with the identification member 35 identifying theparticular cord and plug 38 for the user. It is noted that the cord 38can be wound into a storage condition and retained in the storagecondition by the device 30, and/or the device 30 can be used foridentifying the particular electrical device that the cord 38 issupplying electrical power to. Also, it is contemplated that the device30 can be used to retain any cord in a wound or wrapped storageposition, including cords such as communication cords, ropes, wires, andinnumerable other elongated flexible items. FIG. 1A illustrates thepresent device 30 securing two ski poles 39 together. FIGS. 1A, 20-20Band 21-21B illustrate three of the many different ways that the device30 can be used to secure items together.

It is noted that each of the ball stop 32, slide lock 33, and pull tab34 can be made of a same material or different materials, and furthereach can be made of similar or different sizes and shapes, depending onthe physical requirements of a particular intended use. Accordingly, thedescription below is intended to disclose aspects and features of thepresent invention, but is not intended to be unnecessarily limiting.

Binder line 31 (FIG. 2) can be any of a variety of different cordshaving linear strength and long term durability for handling the stressof binding items together. The illustrated binder line 31 is preferablymade of a resilient material (preferably cloth covered) having adiameter that is relatively flexible but non-collapsible. An outersurface of the binder line 31 has frictional characteristics relative tocomponents 32-34 yet that permit slide lock 33 to be slidingly movedalong the binder line 31 when desired. In particular, the binder line 31can be tied in a knot 42 and frictionally retained within aknot-receiving cavity in the ball stop 32, as discussed below. Also, thebinder line 31 also permits a smooth sliding movement of the slide lock33 along the binder line 31, while also frictionally holding the slidelock 33 in a selected position once the slide lock 33 is released. Also,the binder line 31 provides sufficient frictional engagement with thepull tab 34 so that the pull tab 34 reliably engages the binder line 31and does not undesirably release after assembly. The illustrated binderline 31 is longitudinally stretchable, like a bungee cord, such that thebinder line 31 can be stretched and secured, with a linearstretch/tension of the binder line 31 assisting in fixing the boundconnection of the binder line 31 around the components 32 and 34.

By way of example and not limitation, the illustrated binder line 31 iscommercially available and generally has the following properties. It isabout ⅛″ diameter with a fabric outer layer and elastic inner cord, andstretches to about double its free unstretched length (i.e. 100%stretch). The illustrated device 30 is about 4½″ in total length andstretches to about 9″ length. However, it is contemplated that thedevice's length (i.e. the binder line) can be made longer or shorter forparticular applications, and also can be made a larger (or smaller)diameter, and can have greater (or lesser) elasticity. When released,the binder line 31 recovers to substantially its original length, whichresults in good retention characteristics even during repeated use.

Ball stop 32 (FIGS. 3-5) serves the purpose of creating an anchor pointat one end of the binder line 31. Specifically, the illustrated binderline 31 in FIG. 2 is a single cord, doubled back and tied at its freeend to form a knot 42. During assembly, the knot 42 slides down and isretained in a knot-pocket cavity 43 defined within a base of the ballstop 32. The knot 42 is too large to pass through a line-receivingentrance 44 into the cavity 43 in the ball stop 32, causing aninterference-fit when the knot is pulled into an open side of the cavity43. It is contemplated that the binder line 31 can alternatively be acontinuous loop with no free ends. In such case, it is contemplated thata knot (similar to knot 42) could be tied at a (looped) end.Alternatively, a pin or anchor member (not specifically shown, butmatingly shaped to frictionally engage the cavity 43) could be attachedto the looped end of the binder line 31 and inserted into the cavity 43,so that the pin would become lodged in a base of the knot pocket thuspreventing the loop's knot from being pulled through the ball stop.

The ball stop 32 is made of an injection molded polymeric material, andserves the purpose of retention when the binder line 31 (and/or pull tab34) is looped over the ball stop 32. (See FIGS. 20-20B and 21-21B.) Theillustrated ball stop 32 is generally spherical in shape, and about ¾″in diameter, with its spherical sides facilitating slipping a loopedsection of the binder line 31 over the ball stop 32 for securement. Theball stop 32 (FIGS. 3-5) includes a through hole defined in part by theknot-receiving cavity 43, and defined by an interference-fitline-pass-through entrance 44 (also called an “opening” herein). Theillustrated ball stop 32 is made with multiple external crevices andpockets 45, which facilitate injection molding by reducing large massesof plastic material forming the ball stop 32. The existence of crevicesand pockets 45 also reduces the amount of polymeric material necessaryfor the ball stop 32, improves its appearance, and helps with retentionof the binder line 31 (and the pull tab 34) on the ball stop 32 bycreating a rough outer surface. In particular, the material and shape ofthe ball stop 32 provides lateral and longitudinal lines of grip on thebinder line 31, facilitating securement of the binder line 31 whenlooped over the ball stop 32 and when the binder line 31 issimultaneously tensioned/stretched. Nonetheless, it is contemplated thatthe ball stop 32 does not have to be spherical in shape, but instead itneed only be large enough or otherwise shaped to provide a retainingfunction to limit release of a looped section of the binder line 31 fromescaping toward an exit point, such that it encourages the securedbinder line 31 and/or pull tab 34 from slipping off. Also, it iscontemplated that the ball stop 32 (and slide lock 33 and pull tab 34)can be made from any material, including many different polymers(including translucent and fluorescent and buoyant materials), metal,wood, composite, and other structural materials.

The illustrated slide lock 33 (FIGS. 6-8) is also an injection moldedpolymeric material, having a cylindrical size of about ½″ in diameterand being about ½″ long. Slide lock 33 includes a through hole 47 thatshaped to frictionally but slidingly engage the binder line 31, with thefriction being sufficiently strong so that the lock slide 33 locks intoa set position on the binder line 31 when released, but so that theslide lock 33 is slidable along the binder line 31 when gripped andpulled along the binder line 31. Notably, when the slide lock 33 isbeing moved, the illustrated binder line 31 stretches and flexes a smallamount within the slide lock 33, thus assisting in release and slidingof the slide lock 33. When the slide lock 33 is released, the binderline 31 recovers and again frictionally engages the slide lock 33 tohold it in a set position. The slide lock 33 also includeslongitudinally oriented recesses 47A and protrusions 47B to facilitategripping by fingers of a person's hand.

The illustrated pull tab 34 (FIGS. 9-12) is also injection molded of apolymeric material, and includes anidentification-supporting/finger-grip portion 50 and aline-receiving/retaining portion 51. The illustrated finger-grip portion50 is about ⅞″ diameter and ⅛″ thick, and includes a circular rimdefining a coin-shaped recess on both side surfaces (or on a singleside) where the identification member 35 is located. Notably, thefinger-grip portion 50 can be any size or shape sufficient for grippingby a user. The pull tab 34 also can have a physical shape (such as aparticular profile or perimeter shape) to assist in providing anidentifying function. The line-receiving/retaining portion 51 includes apass-through opening 52 and a circumferential binder line lock groove 53extending from the opening 52. The binder line lock groove 53 has a sizeand shape designed to frictionally engage and securely hold the binderline 31 within the groove 53 once friction-fit therein, as describedbelow.

It is contemplated that one (or two) identification members 35 areattached to the identification-supporting/finger-grip portion 50 of thepull tab 34. It is contemplated that the identification members 35 canbe any form of identification, including indicia, picture, symbol, logo,graphics, lettering, numbering, QR code, bar code, RFID tag, blue toothcommunicating device, other near-field communication device, and anyinterpretive device (visual, tactile, wireless, or other). Theidentification member 35 can include a physical protruding structure(domed, raised, flat, or 3D) or include a recessed structure; and can bepresented in any form, include printing, 3D image, a clear-domed/coveredpicture or other physical shape; and that it can be day-light-visibleand/or fluorescent. The identification member 35 can be integrallyformed on the pull tab 34, or can be separately manufactured andattached by many different means such as a sticker, adhered panel,snap-in panel, or otherwise mechanically, chemically, or otherwiseattached (including welding). It can also present a surface capable ofreceiving written information. When integrally formed, theidentification member 35 can be integrally formed as part of the pulltab 34 in the primary molding operation and/or in a secondarymanufacturing operation and/or in a manner so that it can be added laterby a customer/user.

The line-receiving portion 51 of the pull tab 34 (FIGS. 9-12) includes athrough hole 52 (also called “pass through portion”) for receiving thebinder line 31 and grooves 53 (also called circumferential binder linelock groove”) extending transversely on opposing sides of thethrough-hole's exit. The grooves 53 are formed by laterally-facinghook-like structures and shaped with a narrowed side to frictionallyreceive and securely hold the binder line 31 when the binder line 31 ispulled into a bottom of the grooves 53. In one type assembly (FIGS.16-17), a looped end of the binder line 31 is pulled through the throughhole 52, looped back over the pull tab 34, and then the two lineportions forming the looped end are pulled into the grooves 53 wherethey are frictionally retained. Like the ball stop 32, the pull tab 34is optimally shaped and sized to serve the purpose of retention when thebinder line 31 is looped over the pull tab 34. The illustrated pull tab34 is relatively flat with a circular perimeter, such that itfacilitates a looped section of the binder line 31 slipping over thepull tab 34 for securement.

It is contemplated that the pull tab 34 can have many different shapes,depending on its functional requirements and environment of use. Forexample, the illustrated pull tab 34 (FIG. 9) has anidentification-supporting/finger-grip portion 50 with a circularperimeter with outboard recesses forming a rough exterior (to facilitategripping) and an interior recess that is smooth (such as for receivingan identification sticker). The line-receiving portion 51 is bulbousshaped, and has a thickness of about half the diametrical size of thefinger-grip portion 50 when viewed from a position in front of therecess, but is about double the thickness of the finger-grip portion 50when viewed from a side edge. It is contemplated that the finger-gripportion can instead have a square perimeter (see pull tab 34A in FIG.11) or be rectangular or otherwise shaped (including 3D non-planarshapes) or can be longitudinally ridged along its inside/outsideperimeter. Also, it is contemplated that a modified pull tab can beprovided having a circular shape similar to the pull tab 34, but wherethe modified pull tab would include an external/outboard-facing channelaround the pull tab 34 shaped to frictionally receive the binder line31. The binder line 31 would be frictionally engaged with the perimeterchannel, with the binder line extending from the perimeter channel to apull-through opening and grooves (much like opening 52 and grooves 53 inpull tab 34). Thus, the binder line would form a bumper around the pulltab.

In one modification, a suction cup 46 (FIG. 14) is formed on the ballstop 32 for releasably holding the device 30 (along with collectedmaterials) on a flat surface, such as for suction-holding the device 30and collected items on a flat surface such as a metal container or wallor panel. For example, the flat surface could be suction-attached to ahousehold appliance (such as a refrigerator or washing machine), or to ametal cupboard or rack or building wall. The suction cup 46 can be aseparate member attached to the ball stop 32, or can be integrallymolded therewith (such as by overmolding or secondary molding). It iscontemplated that the suction cup 46 could be attached to one of theother components, such as to the pull tab 34 or even the slide lock 33if desired, with the suction cup being on the component 32-34 andextending perpendicularly from a location of the binder line 31 on therespective component 32-34, or at any other location on the component32-34, as desired.

As noted above, alternative pull tabs can be used (see FIG. 1, 13, 15),such as a square shape or ring shape (with or without a center hole).Also, the line-receiving portion of the pull tab can be modified. Forexample, a pull tab 34B (FIGS. 18-19) does not have a through-hole 52like pull tab 34 (FIG. 2), but instead pull tab 34B (FIG. 18) is madewith a center friction hook 56 (FIGS. 18-19) facing a first lateraldirection and oppositely-facing laterally-opposing outboard frictionalhooks 57. The hooks 56 and 57 are shaped to frictionally engage andretain a loop portion of the binder line 31 by placing the loop portionof the binder line 31 over the center hook 56 with parts of the binderline 31 extending between the center hook 56 and the outboard frictionhooks 57. The binder line 31 can be finally assembled by pulling thebinder line 31 tight (FIG. 19), which causes the portions of the binderline 31 to slide into and frictionally engage the hooks 56 and 57.

The present components 31-34 provide a kit that assembles quickly andeasily, and that is intuitive to assemble. For example, the binder line31 can be pulled through the slide lock 33 and knotted for frictionalretention in the ball stop 32 (see FIG. 2), and then a loop portionpulled over the pull tab 34 (see FIGS. 16-17) and frictionally retainedin the opposing hooks within a few seconds of starting the assembly.

There are many alternative ways to use the present device 30. Forexample, in FIG. 1A, the ski poles 39 are extended between two parts ofthe binder line 31 and between the ball stop 32 and the slide lock 33.Notably, this places the identification member 35 and pull tab 34 in alocation where they extend outwardly in a very visible and easilygraspable position. In FIGS. 20-20B, a first elongated member (such asski pole 39) is extended between sections of the binder line 31 (FIG.20), and the slip lock 33 is pulled tight (FIG. 20). Then, a remainderof the binder line 31 is wrapped around a second elongated member (i.e.the second ski pole 39) (FIG. 20A) and pulled over the ball stop 32,with the binder line 31 being stretched sufficiently to retain thewrapped elongated members together (FIG. 20B). Alternatively, bothsections of the binder line 31 can be wrapped around the first elongatedmember (i.e. ski pole) and looped over the ball stop 32 and then theslip lock 33 pulled tight (FIG. 21). Thereafter, a remainder of thebinder line 31 is wrapped around the second elongated member (i.e.second ski pole 39) (FIG. 21A) and looped over the ball stop 32 a secondtime in tension (FIG. 21B).

Notably, the present device 30 can be stored and/or shipped in anelongated/assembled state (like that shown in FIG. 2), or can be storedand/or shipped in a coiled or bundled state. The device 30 can be nestedalong with a length of material or with other similar devices forcompact shipment, or can be used to hold goods together during shipment.The present device 30 is sufficient in size so that it is not easilylost and also easily grasped, yet is small and compact enough to nottake up excessive space nor to significantly increase a shipping weight.Components of the present device 30 can be made of any suitablestructural polymeric material, including buoyant material (i.e. having aspecific gravity of less than 1.0), which makes them useful in marineenvironments and for boating since they float and are moistureresistant. Notably, the components 32-35 can be made in attractivecolors and/or with fluorescent materials and/or with UV resistanceand/or using many weather/environment-resistant materials, making themuseful in outdoor environments and/or for sporting goods and/or in highwear conditions and/or in other specialized environments.

The identification member 35 allows the device 30 to be used in numerousways for identification of goods or for identification of ownership ofgoods. It is noted that the identifying member 35 (and/or the othercomponents 32-34) can be made with a bright color, which greatly assistsin a user finder their particular items from an assortment of similargoods (such as when skis are stored in a ski rack at a ski resort).Notably, the device 30 can be coupled end-to-end with other similardevices 30 to bind larger quantities of material (e.g. if the device is“too short”), or can be wrapped one or more times around a material toprovide proper engagement length and more secure retention (e.g. if thedevice is “too long”, or if the user wants to provide extra “slip-outresistance” by using multiple wraps).

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A material collectionand identification device comprising: a ball stop; a slide lock; a pulltab; and a binder line attached to the pull tab and the ball stop,wherein the slide lock slides along a portion of the binder line toselectively capture captive material against one of the pull tab andball stop.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the binder line is made ofa resilient stretchable material.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein thepull tab has an identification member to provide quick identification ofcollected items secured by the device.
 4. The device of claim 3, whereinthe ball stop, the slide lock, and the pull tab are each single unitarymoldings that characteristically do not include internal moving parts.5. The device of claim 4, wherein the binder line is secured to the ballstop with parallel sections of the binder line extending from the ballstop.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the binder line includes a knot,and wherein the ball stop includes a knot pocket shaped to frictionallysecure the knot in the ball stop.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein thebinder line is a continuous loop and wherein the ball stop includeslateral slots gripping sections of the binder line extending from theball stop.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the ballstop, the slide lock, and the pull tab is made of a material withspecific gravity of less than 1.0 so as to float in water.
 9. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the ball stop and slide lock and pull tab are eachsingle unitary moldings and do not include internal moving parts. 10.The device of claim 1, wherein the pull tab includes an identificationmember.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the identification member isone of mechanically or adheringly attached to the pull tab.
 12. Thedevice of claim 10, wherein the identification member is releasablyattached and is replaceable.
 13. A kit for use with a stretchable binderline, comprising: a ball stop component; a slide lock component; and apull tab component; the slide lock and pull tab components eachincluding a through hole shaped to frictionally receive and engage amating portion of a stretchable binder line, the ball stop component andthe pull tab component also including a frictional structure forsecurely engaging a mating portion of the binder line extended throughthe slide lock and pull tab components.
 14. The kit defined in claim 13,wherein the slide lock includes a dual strand interference fit passthrough opening for receiving the binder line, and wherein an exteriorof the slide lock includes longitudinal recesses and protrusions forgripping by fingers of a human hand.
 15. The kit defined in claim 13,wherein the pull tab includes a binder engagement portion including abinder line dual strand pass through portion, and at least onecircumferential binder line lock groove.
 16. The kit defined in claim13, wherein the pull tab includes a binder engagement portion includingat least one binder line single strand pass-through hole and acircumferential binder line lock groove.
 17. The kit defined in claim13, wherein the pull tab includes a binder engagement portion andfurther includes an identification portion, the identification portionincluding one of an identification plate or sticker.
 18. The kit definedin claim 13, including a second slide lock on the binder line.
 19. Amethod of assembling and using a material collection device, the methodcomprising: passing a binder line through binder line pass-throughportions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab; passing a loopedend of the binder line through an opening in the pull tab and fasteningthe looped end of the binder line to the pull tab; inserting a captivematerial into a loop formed in the binder line between the pull tab andthe slide lock; and sliding the slide lock along the binder line andtoward the captive material to secure the material collection device tothe captive material.
 20. A method of assembling and using a materialcollection device, the method comprising: providing a binder lineextending through binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, aslide lock, and a pull tab; passing the pull tab through a looped end ofthe binder line and fastening the looped end of the binder line to thepull tab; and forming an enlargement on an end of the binder line spacedaway from the looped end, and pulling the enlargement into frictionalengagement with the ball stop, such that the ball stop traps the slidelock on the binder line.
 21. The method defined in claim 21, includingattaching an identification member to the pull tab.
 22. A method ofassembling and using a material collection device, the methodcomprising: passing a binder line through binder line pass-throughportions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab; attaching thepull tab to an end of the binder line; inserting a captive materialthrough a loop formed in the binder line between the pull tab and theslide lock; and sliding the slide lock along the binder line and towardthe captive material to secure the material collection device to thecaptive material.
 23. A method of assembling a material collection andidentification device, comprising steps of: providing a plurality ofend-defining components and a plurality of slide lock components, eachbeing a unitary structure without internal moving parts; providing abinder line; assembling at least two of the end-defining components andat least one of the slide locks onto the binder line; and selectivelysliding the at least one slide lock in a first direction or in a seconddirection, with sliding in the first direction binding a captivematerial against one of the end-defining components and with sliding inthe second direction binding the captive material against another one ofthe end-defining components.
 24. The method defined in claim 23, whereinthe step of assembling includes assembling at least two of the slidelocks onto the binder line.